Quote of the Week

"It is not about having the greatest of faith, but rather having faith in the greatness of God."
Unknown

The Gift of Comfort

Recently my mom, sister, and I went to visit my 87 year old grandmother who lives in a nursing home 2 hours away. One of the nurses had told us that Grandma was not wanting to eat and was feeling pretty low. We hoped a visit from the three of us would cheer her up. Grandma does not want flowers, balloons, stuffed animals etc, so I often feel at a loss as to what I can give her.

Grandma was in a blue state of mind when we arrived, lying motionless curled up in her bed. We talked a bit and coaxed her into sipping on a cup of soup. She perked up somewhat and wanted us to take her outside. Before the end of the visit, we asked her if she would like a massage. She indicated an enthusiastic yes, which surprised us because sometimes she doesn't want to "bother" us for a massage. Being that she has arthritis, back pain, and mild nausea we applied a few drops of PanAway and Ortho Sport massage oil that have a minty uplifting aroma. A note: do not use these oil blends if a person is taking aspirin, blood thinners, cortisone, or is epileptic because they contain wintergreen which has a cortisone type activity.

Her blissful sighs as my mom rubbed her back were so wonderful to hear. I was grateful there was something we could give her that brought her some happiness and showed how much we cared. I rubbed the oils gently up and down her thin, frail arms thinking about how many people lay in hospital, hospice, or even beds at home longing for this simple human connection. The sweet aroma of the essential oils filled the room, transforming the stale atmosphere as she enjoyed a foot massage punctuated by more peaceful sighs.

When applying oils to the ill, aged, or those in recovery, be sure to let them smell the oils you will be using before rubbing them on. Light gliding strokes are very soothing. Use just one or two drops of oil mixed with jojoba or a massage oil base. Lavender is always a good choice for basic relaxation. Diffuse citrus oils or blends rather than topical application to avoid skin sensitivities. Some patients cannot be moved to receive a back massage, but a gentle hand and/or foot massage will still be wonderfully effective.

Give the gift of aromatherapy and touch to someone you care about, it will mean more to them than words can say!

Quote of the Week

"Consistent persistence will win out over talent every time."
-- Kevin Reilly (formerly of the Philadelphia Eagles)

My Lavender Story

With its historic reputation for healing burns and promoting relaxation, Young Living Lavender has always been a part of my first aid kit. I discovered the truly amazing therapeutic power of sweet and simple lavandula angustifolia when I was pregnant with my son. Early on we became aware of a few potentially serious complications including placenta previa because of a large fibroid tumor that was growing on the outside of my uterus. I had been using lavender for years to soothe monthly cramps with great success, so when I went into premature labor with contractions and bleeding at 16 weeks I put this little oil to the test.

I put 4 or 5 drops of lavender directly on my abdomen and rubbed it in well with some pure jojoba oil. After 2 of these applications, the bleeding and contractions stopped within 24 hours. I continued using lavender on my belly every night after that because the doctors were still very concerned about a premature birth.With lots of prayer and partial bed rest for five weeks(I was told I could be on FULL bedrest for 5 months!), this did not occur again for the duration of the pregnancy.

Our healthy son safely arrived by C section because my water broke at 36 weeks and he was full breech. He is a content and happy little guy who loves his crib, sleeping 11 or 12 hours through the night since he was 3 months old. Is it genetic or was it the relaxing effect of all that lavender he got secondhand from mama? :)

The added bonus to slathering myself daily with this skin nourishing oil is that I don't have a single stretch mark anywhere!

Quote of the Week

"Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.” Mark Twain

One Bottle of Lavender

Friends, this is what it takes to make one bottle of pure Young Living lavender! More tips coming up for using this wonderful oil.

Lemon-Essential Tip of the Week

Use a drop or two of Young Living Lemon essential oil to remove stubborn tar, paint, goo, or scuff marks from floors. Drop oil directly on mark or scuff. Also works well on hands after a messy project. Let it sit for a minute then rub out the spot with a paper towel. Reapply oil if needed. Lemon oil may rub off some varnished surfaces so test in an inconspicuous area if planning to use on wood flooring.

Then when you are done put a drop of Young Living Lemon essential oil ( other brands are not safe for internal use) in a glass of water for a refreshing and purifying drink!